Sport

Friday 1st March - U10 Boys Football at Claires Court

The strength of the competition at the Claires Court tournament always provides a challenge and this year was no different. We started the tournament against the hosts but neither side were able to break the deadlock and played out a goalless draw. After 4 more games eventually finished third in our group which consisted of six schools. This meant that we played in the plate competition and faced Oratory in the quarter final. Unfortunately our opponents proved too strong on the day and we were knocked out of the tournament at that stage. The boys had picked up where they left off in their last game playing some excellent passing football They are showing an excellent understanding of the importance of working as a team.

U9 Netball v Pipers Corner

Pipers Corner provided strong opposition on Tuesday afternoon when all of the Year 4 girls made the short bus journey to participate in netball matches. These games are used to develop the girls understanding of the game in a safe but competitive environment and this match was very useful in that respect with many girls playing in various different positions. There was also a lot to be learnt from our opponents who played some excellent netball and were winners of both games.

On Tuesday 5th March our U11 girls attended the Weston Green school hockey tournament. Gateway has entered this tournament for several years and has always found it to be a fun, friendly but competitive tournament. The pitch size was much bigger than the girls were use to which gave them the opportunity to play both short and long corners and start to understand the tactics and skill that is required of them. The tournament started off with a competitive game against Oakhurst grange. The teams were evenly matched and were fighting hard to keep possession and create goal scoring opportunities. Unfortunately Oakhurst went 1-0 up and we couldn't get it back before the whistle.

After a team talk the girls took to the pitch feeling positive and started to use the space on the pitch. Driving into the 'D' to create goal scoring opportunities and working together as a team. The girls scored won the game 4-0 which was a fantastic result. We then went up against the host school (Weston Green) who were very slick with their passes and movement on the pitch. The girls fought hard to break them down but struggled to keep them out of the 'D'. Katie, our first time goal keeper played exceptionally well making great saves. However, the game ended 2-0.

At the end of the group stage we were through to the plate competition. The girls play came together at this stage, taking on board the feedback from previous matches. The girls used the space on the pitch to make good passes, looking up for the right shot and using good decision making. They went on to win both of their matches resulting in winning the plate competition. It was fantastic for the girls to finish on such a high and to come away from the tournament having learnt so much. Well done!

U8 Football: Gayhurst tournament

The U8's travelled to Gayhurst School for an exciting ten team tournament which consisted of three pool matches, a semi-final and a potential final. Full of energy and excitement, the year 3's started the tournament with an electric 6-0 performance against Belmont School. The team were able to build on their great start with a 4-1 win against Moulsford school and a 2-2 draw against Gayhurst in the pool stages. The U8's played some superb attacking football in the pool stages and were able to take their opportunities with some clinical shooting and finishing. The team went through to the plate semi-final where they came up against a strong and well structured UCS team. In spite of scoring two well taken chances, the game ended 4-2 to UCS. With such impressive performances, football for the year 3's looks very promising in the years to come.